Top 4 Weirdest Products, From Scary to Stupid: Live @ CES 2008

iTaser

What do you get when you mix a dangerous weapon with an MP3 player? Well, it's not quite a humanitarian crisis so much as a case of gadget convergence straight out of The Onion. I mean, seriously, this thing's called the iTaser.

Alas, Taser International has just released a stylish new stun gun holster that has a built-in 1GB MP3 player. After all, just because you're afraid of muggers doesn't mean you can't make yourself more vulnerable by listening to music in poorly-lit parking lots. Users are presumably encouraged to pair it with the new, leopard-print lady Taser (pictured above at the Taser booth at CES)--and to include Billy Idol's "Shock To The System" on their playlists.

Vitality GlowCaps Connect

I suppose it makes sense that, the more likely you are to need a heavy dose of medication, the more likely you are to forget when it's time to take your pills.

More From Popular Mechanics

These new Internet-connected pill-box caps absolutely, positively make sure you take your vitamins when you have to take them. Come medicine time, they flash and glow while calling your home phone. In addition, they send a weekly email note to a friend or family member about whether you've been taking your pills, automatically order perscription refills from your pharmacy, and send monthly reports to your doctor about how well you'e sticking to the regimen.

Sony Rolly

In CES's most profound moment of hyperbole, Sony senior vice president Steve Haber touted the introduction of the Rolly dancing egg as the creation of an entirely new "category" of products. Of course, anybody who has been to a Walgreen's around the holidays knows that similar products have been around for years--in the shape of dancing Santas.

Still, there's an undeniable charm to a handheld piece of plastic that shakes and grooves along with your songs. But it does beg the question: What do you do with it after the novelty wears out?

As easy as it is to laugh at a "gadget" like this, it's undeniably useful for a certain segment of the population.

Tank Chair

Finally, a wheelchair fit for the Popular Mechanics reader. There's more in our robotics roundup, but suffice it to say this: Those wishing to turn themselves into human-powered Mars Rovers should be able to pick up this track-powered behemoth later this month ... for a hefty $15,000.